This month, your wallets get a tiny bit of a reprieve, since this list of upcoming releases isn’t as long as previous months. However, a ton of books come out toward the end of May, so budget accordingly! Also, a lot of us are reading backlist titles to whittle down our TBR piles.
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I Thee Wed
Author: Celeste Bradley
Released: May 3, 2016 by Signet
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Worthington #4From the New York Times bestselling author of With This Ringcomes a Wicked Worthington novel of love that defies reason…
Intelligent and driven, Orion Worthington aspired to be like his mentor, the acclaimed scientist Sir Geoffrey Blayne. Logically, Sir Geoffrey’s daughter would be Orion’s perfect match. So why can’t he keep his mind off the unruly girl who works in Sir Geoffrey’s lab?
Orphaned fire-cracker Francesca Penrose hopes that London is modern enough to accept her brilliant mind despite her womanhood. But she can’t help noticing Orion’s mind…or his body.
So they decide to run an experiment: if they give in to their passions, their attraction will simply fizzle out, with no impact on their hearts…right?
Carrie says: Science!
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If I Was Your Girl
Author: Meredith Russo
Released: May 3, 2016 by Flatiron Books
Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance, Young AdultA new kind of big-hearted novel about being seen for who you really are.
Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school. Like anyone else, all she wants is to make friends and fit in. But Amanda is keeping a secret, and she’s determined not to get too close to anyone.
But when she meets sweet, easygoing Grant, Amanda can’t help but start to let him into her life. As they spend more time together, she realizes just how much she is losing by guarding her heart. She finds herself yearning to share with Grant everything about herself, including her past. But Amanda’s terrified that once she tells him the truth, he won’t be able to see past it.
Because the secret that Amanda’s been keeping? It’s that at her old school, she used to be Andrew. Will the truth cost Amanda her new life, and her new love?
Meredith Russo’s If I Was Your Girl is a universal story about feeling different—and a love story that everyone will root for.
Amanda says: It’s a YA romance with a transwoman heroine! And also, that cover is amazing.
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Only Beloved
Author: Mary Balogh
Released: May 3, 2016 by Signet
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: The Survivors' Club #7From the legendary New York Times bestselling author of Only a Kiss and Only a Promise comes the final book in the rapturous Survivor’s Club series—as the future of one man lies within the heart of a lost but never-forgotten love…
For the first time since the death of his wife, the Duke of Stanbrook is considering remarrying and finally embracing happiness for himself. With that thought comes the treasured image of a woman he met briefly a year ago and never saw again.
Dora Debbins relinquished all hope to marry when a family scandal left her in charge of her younger sister. Earning a modest living as a music teacher, she’s left with only an unfulfilled dream. Then one afternoon, an unexpected visitor makes it come true.
For both George and Dora that brief first encounter was as fleeting as it was unforgettable. Now is the time for a second chance. And while even true love comes with a risk, who are two dreamers to argue with destiny?
Elyse says: The final book in the Survivors’ Club series features an older hero/heroine (she’s 39, he’s 48). I’m so excited!
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Outlaw Cowboy
Author: Nicole Helm
Released: May 3, 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Series: Big Sky Cowboys #2BIG SKY TROUBLE
Ever since his father’s accident, Caleb Shaw vowed he’d mend his wild ways, and he means to keep his word. He’s a changed man. A better man. And he knows he should want absolutely nothing to do with his crazy old life…or the maddening temptation that is Delia Rogers.Because Delia? Is nothing but trouble.
Delia’s been stealing her sisters away from their violent father ever since she was old enough to fight back. But now with the police on her trail and all her bridges burned, there’s nowhere left to run but back into the arms of the one cowboy she knows she shouldn’t need. Caleb has always been too good for her, no matter how bad he claimed to be. Yet when close quarters turn into something more, Delia and Caleb are forced to decide what really matters: mending their reputations or healing their wary hearts…
Elyse says: I love Helm’s voice and sense of humor.
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Too Hot to Handle
Author: Tessa Bailey
Released: May 17, 2016 by Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Series: Romancing the Clarksons #1The first book in a brand new contemporary romance series from New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey!
When Rita Clarkson’s Suburban takes its last breath on a New Mexico roadside, rescue roars up on a Harley in the form of smooth-talking honkey tonk owner, Jasper Ellis, a man as mysterious as he is charming. Rita’s cross-country journey to New York City–with her three estranged siblings in tow–is only beginning, but now that Jasper has found Rita, his plans do not include her leaving.
Amanda says: A new series from Tessa Bailey that features a road trip?! YESSSS. Seriously, Bailey writes some of the greatest dialogue.
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Charged
Author: Jay Crownover
Released: May 24, 2016 by William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Romance
Series: Saints of Denver #2From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes the second installment in the Saints of Denver series featuring a bad girl and a by the book attorney who could be her salvation…or her ruin.
Avett Walker and Quaid Jackson’s worlds have no reason to collide. Ever. Quaid is a high powered criminal attorney as slick as he is handsome. Avett is a pink-haired troublemaker with a bad attitude and a history of picking the wrong men.
When Avett lands in a sea of hot water because of one terrible mistake, the only person who can get her out of it is the insanely sexy lawyer. The last thing on earth she wants to do is rely on the no-nonsense attorney who thinks of her as nothing more than a nuisance. He literally has her fate in his hands. Yet there is something about him that makes her want to convince him to loosen his tie and have a little fun…with her.
Quaid never takes on clients like the impulsive young woman with a Technicolor dye job. She could stand to learn a hard lesson or two, but something about her guileless hazel eyes intrigues him. Still, he’s determined to keep their relationship strictly business. But doing so is becoming more impossible with each day he spends with her.
As they work side-by-side, they’ll have to figure out a way to get along and keep their hands off each other—because the chemistry between them is beyond charged.
Amanda says: Usually, romances have a bad boy hero and a good girl heroine and it’s nice to see one with the roles switched.
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Mr. and Mr. Smith
Author: HelenKay Dimon
Released: May 24, 2016 by Loveswept
Genre: LGBTQIA, Romantic Suspense, RomanceSecrets and seduction make for an explosive combination in HelenKay Dimon’s edgy, thrilling new series, which kicks off with a novel about two men who can handle any threat—except the one posed by desire.
Fisher Braun knows how to keep a secret. As a covert paramilitary operative, his job—and his life—depends on it. He’s at the top of his game, ready for action and always in control. No enemy has ever brought him to his knees, but one lover has: Zachary Allen, the man currently sharing his bed. The perfect package of brains and brawn, Zach is someone worth coming home to, and Fisher hates keeping him in the dark about what he does. But the lies keep Zach safe. Until the day Fisher loses everything. . . .Zachary Allen is no innocent civilian. Although he plays the tech geek, in reality he’s deep undercover for the CIA. In a horrible twist of fate, the criminal enterprise he’s infiltrated has set its sights on the man whose touch drives him wild. Zach would do anything for Fisher—except blow his own cover. Now, in order to save him, Zach must betray him first. And he needs Fisher to trust him with all his heart if they want to make it out alive.
Sarah says: HelenKay Dimon writes terrific adventure and spy romance, with not too much of the entrails-and-peril, and I’m very curious about this one. I like her stories and I like her characters, so YES PLEASE.
Elyse says: Seconding Sarah. I can’t wait for this retelling of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
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Devour
Author: Kurt Anderson
Released: May 31, 2016 by Pinnacle
Genre: Horror, Mystery/ThrillerIt Lurks
Deep beneath the ice of the Arctic Circle, something has awakened. A primordial creature frozen in time, it is the oldest, largest, most efficient predator that nature has ever produced.And it is ravenously hungry…
It Hunts
Thirty-five miles off the Massachussetts coast, a small research ship is attacked. All but one of its crew is killed by the massive serpentine horror that rises from the sea. The creature likes this human prey. The chewy outer hide. The tender saltiness within.And it wants more…
It Feeds
Responding to a distress signal, fishing-boat captain Brian Hawkins arrives in time to save the ship’s last survivor. But the nightmare is just beginning. A casino cruise ship carrying high-stakes passengers–and a top-secret cargo–becomes the creature’s bloodsoaked hunting ground. Even the U.S. Navy can’t destroy it. Desperate but determined, Hawkins goes after the biggest catch of the century. But there’s something he didn’t count on:
There’s more than one…
Elyse says: A sea monster eats a cruise ship. Crazysauce time!
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Everywhere and Every Way
Author: Jennifer Probst
Released: May 31, 2016 by Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Series: Billionaire Builders #1Hot on the heels of her beloved Marriage to a Billionaire novels,New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst nails it with the first in an all-new sexy romance series featuring red-hot contractor siblings who give the Property Brothers a run for their money!
Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father’s luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss’s chair. But his father’s will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers.
Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T—or she’ll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers’ reputation. Not one to ignore a challenge, Caleb vows to get the job done—if only he can stop getting distracted by his new client’s perfect…amenities.
But there’s more to icy Morgan than meets the eye. And Caleb’s not the only one who knows how to use a stud-finder. In fact, Morgan is pretty sure she’s found hers—and he looks quite enticing in a hard hat. As sparks fly between Morgan and Caleb despite his best intentions not to mix business and pleasure, will she finally warm up and help him lay the foundation for everlasting love?
Amanda says: This is my book choice for this month’s Covers & Cocktails because there’s a drink named for all the hot Chris’ in Hollywood. So yeah.
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Marrying Winterborne
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Released: May 31, 2016 by Avon
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: The Ravenels #2A ruthless tycoon
Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better…
A sheltered beauty
Helen has had little contact with the glittering, cynical world of London society. Yet Rhys’s determined seduction awakens an intense mutual passion. Helen’s gentle upbringing belies a stubborn conviction that only she can tame her unruly husband. As Rhys’s enemies conspire against them, Helen must trust him with her darkest secret. The risks are unthinkable…the reward, a lifetime of incomparable bliss. And it all begins with…
Marrying Mr. Winterborne.
Elyse says: The sequel to Cold-Hearted Rake. I’m super excited for Helen and Rhys story.
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Nacho Figueras Presents: High Season
Author: Jessica Whitman
Released: May 31, 2016 by Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Series: Nacho Figueras Presents #1World-renowned polo player and global face of Ralph Lauren, Nacho Figueras dives into the world of scandal and seduction with a new fiction series set in the glamorous, treacherous world of high-stakes polo competition.
Georgia never wanted to be a jetsetter. A plain old country vet was fine for her. But one distress call from her best friend and the next thing she knows she’s neck deep in the world of polo’s most elite international players–complete with designer dresses, fine champagne and some of the most gorgeous thoroughbreds she’s ever seen. Some of the most gorgeous men too…
Alejandro Del Campo needs his team to win the season’s biggest polo tournament or else he’s not sure how much longer they’re going to be in business. What he doesn’t need is some sassy new vet telling him how to run his business–and distracting him at every turn. But as they come closer and closer to the championship match, it soon becomes clear that Alejandro wants to win Georgia just as much as the tourney trophy. But can he ever convince her his world is where she truly belongs?
Redheadedgirl says: POLO PONIES!
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Sleepless in Manhattan
Author: Sarah Morgan
Released: May 31, 2016 by HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance
Series: From Manhattan with Love #1USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan introduces a sizzling new trilogy about three best friends embracing life—and love—in Manhattan
Cool, calm and competent, events planner Paige Walker loves a challenge. After a childhood spent in and out of hospitals, she’s now determined to prove herself—and where better to take the world by storm than in the exhilarating bustle of Manhattan? But when Paige is let go from the job she loves, she must face her biggest challenge of all—going it alone.
Except launching her own events company is nothing compared to hiding her outrageous crush on Jake Romano—her brother’s best friend, New York’s most in-demand date, and the only man to break her heart. When Jake offers Paige’s fledgling company a big chance, their still-sizzling chemistry starts giving her sleepless nights. But can she convince the man who trusts no one to take a chance on forever?
Sarah says: Sarah Morgan’s writing and sense of humor work SO well for me. And maybe I miss living near New York a little…though I don’t miss the traffic. I’ve got plenty here!
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The Wicked Duke
Author: Madeline Hunter
Released: May 31, 2016 by Jove
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Wicked Trilogy #3Third in the roguishly intriguing series by the New York Times bestselling author of Tall, Dark, and Wicked and His Wicked Reputation…
She appeals to his wicked inclinations, but he never expects she might snare his heart…
Suspected of his brother’s murder, Lancelot Hemingford, Duke of Aylesbury, was forced to give up his hell-raising habits in London for the anonymity of quiet country living. So, when an opportunity arises to clear his name in exchange for proposing to the niece of a neighbor, he sees no choice but to accept. Plus, seducing the reluctant maiden will be a most intriguing challenge…
As Marianne Radley is dependent on her uncle, she must accept the Duke’s marriage proposal at her family’s request, despite her belief he is irredeemably wicked. But along with marrying him, she intends to sniff out the duke’s unsavory secrets and expose them to the world: a plan that would be flawless were it not for one minor detail—even she, with all her determination, is not immune to the charms of a rakish duke…
Redheadedgirl says: Third in a series that has proven to be EXCELLENT beach reads.
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Years ago, J. R. Ward mentioned that Nacho Figueras, with an added goatee, was her idea of Vishous.
Does anyone else think the cover of IF I WAS YOUR GIRL looks like Felicia Day in dim lighting?
Can’t unsee it, now that you mention it?
It wasn’t on here, because, well, he is emphatically not romance, but Joe Hill’s new novel The Fireman come out this month. I mention it because if you read some his books (especially NOS4A2), Hill is actually pretty gifted at writing brave, complicated female characters, and The Fireman has another female protagonist that I am looking forward to reading. I preordered about a week or so back.
Elizabeth Hoyt’s Duke of Sin pubs on 5/31. Squeeee!
I am SO EXCITED for Only Beloved. I am counting down.
The Duke of Sin and Marrying Winterbourne release the same day. How am I supposed to get anything done???
Hmm maybe one of these will kick me out of my reading slump. Although looking at these new releases, it kind of depresses me that the Bush family is literally less white at this point.
Suzanne Wright’s Savage Urges releases May 3. Yay! Cranky dysfunctional shifters FTW!
Duke of Sin and I Thee Wed…FINALLY!
So excited for Marrying Winterborne!
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